I’m thinking he’s close to retiring.
By Amber
@AmbiePam (101889)
United States
August 22, 2025 2:47pm CST
My 70 year old dad has been talking about retiring lately, commenting that age 72 sounds about right. He’s told my stepmom when he retires any trips are over. They never spend money they don’t have, and have no debt. My dad has no desire to travel, but my stepmom loves it (she couldn’t afford it as a single lady), so he goes with her. Even though he’d rather stay home, he has fun wherever he goes, which is a good trait to have. They actually went on a cruise to Hawaii my dad had been saving up to take my late mom, but we know how that turned out.
Of course, Branson, Missouri is someplace they’ll be able to afford probably, retired or not. It is a nice affordable place to go for the most part (especially if you get a good deal on a condo and buy your own food). I hope he doesn’t retire, and pretty much the word is the church doesn’t want him to retire either. Now, he says he’ll get a part time job like a chaplain at a hospital afterwards, so that’s something.
If he were tired and in poor health, I’d feel differently, I think. My dream would be for him to retire when he wants to, and move down to the part of Oklahoma his brothers and sisters are. He drives 2 1/2 hours a month to have lunch with them, and then 2 1/2 back, but that’s not a lot of time excluding Christmas and the Fourth of July (that is the yearly family reunion). Bottom line: his happiness matters most.
How old were you when you retired? Or, how old do you plan to be?
10 people like this
12 responses
@AmbiePam (101889)
• United States
10h
Bless your heart. I remember a church my dad pastored for 12 years. I was ready for him to go after two of those years. I know he stuck it out a couple years past when he really wanted to go. He would have had to move me out of school, and didn’t want to disrupt my life. I was ready though.
He’s been at this one 28, and I never felt like I wanted him to leave. I felt like the 28 years here were a reward for those 12 years of THERE.
3 people like this
@AmbiePam (101889)
• United States
8h
@sallypup Pastors in our denomination leave when the church (congregation) wants to move on from them, the pastor wants to move on, or if the pastor retires.
One of my dad’s best friends has pastored his church for 50 years. Somehow, the church keeps growing. They started a daycare, run a food bank, provide free counseling. And my dad’s best friend, Lenore, would absolutely love you. I guarantee it.
2 people like this
@snowy22315 (194813)
• United States
11h
Not sure I consider myself officially retired because there is always the possibility I will work again. I haven't worked alot though since 2010.
3 people like this
@wolfgirl569 (121183)
• Marion, Ohio
8h
Hubby couldn't wait to retire and I have no urge to go back to work. I keep busy as it is.
2 people like this
@sallypup (65698)
• Centralia, Washington
9h
I send good wishes for your Dad. I retired very early- when my hubby finally got a decent job at age 45, he and I discussed the work I was doing- did I want to spend 20 more years working with seniors and scrubbing their toilets? He was making good enough money working for the state when he finally got that job. So I stayed home and tended to the place and animals- and ended up driving him to work and back. I am also glad hubby retired much earlier than 70. His health went downhill right after retirement. We've known folks who retired later in life and barely had any free time before they checked out.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (47475)
•
7h
I hope your Dad does exactly what he feels comfortable with, and hopefully he will be able to actually enjoy his retirement with his family and friends. (I think your Dad sounds like a really, really good man. You are all fortunate to have him, but I am sure you know that!)
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (47475)
•
4h
@AmbiePam
I think from how you describe him and how much you obviously love him, he feels the same way. I am sure he is very proud to call you his daughter, Amber. 
@luisadannointed (8187)
• Philippines
2h
Whatever your dad feels, maybe he really want to relax now and have a good and chillax life with his wife.
I don't know what age I should retire, but right now I can't coz I still need a lot of saving up for the future.
@id_peace (16548)
• Singapore
Just now
Officially, Singapore retirement age is 63 now pushing to 65. They are pushing for 65 with contract to be extended to 67. If we look at how things goes in the future, we may see the age extension to 70 or 75.
I am working towards a retirement at the age of 55. I am open to a later retirement age but my work must be meaningful.
@DaddyEvil (157587)
• United States
6h
A lot of people don't ever really retire, as in sit around and do nothing, which is a good thing. People start falling apart when they stop and do nothing. They get old fast.
I was forced to retire at 57 years old... I wasn't happy about that, either. *shrug*
@JudyEv (361458)
• Rockingham, Australia
5h
Once Vince moved to a new position in a new part of the state, I basically retired although I did some part-time work from time to time. I was probably only about 60. Vince retired around 63. He/we had plenty to things to do so it worked out well for us.
@Deepizzaguy (113338)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
4h
I am officially retired from working in the fast food industry as a driver at age 44 after Hurricane Katrina came to south Louisiana and I had to become a caregiver for my late mom.
Right now I am happy being here at My Lot.
@ardeliaputri2 (154)
•
2h
I’m not retired yet, but if I had to plan, I’d like to retire around 65. Hopefully with good health and some fun plans lined up! 
Sounds like your dad’s got a great mindset, balancing what he enjoys and supporting your stepmom’s love for travel..
Sounds like your dad’s got a great mindset, balancing what he enjoys and supporting your stepmom’s love for travel..